Midfielder Clark Keltie is on the verge of agreeing a new contract with Darlington, writes CRAIG STODDART.

The 23-year-old has made almost 150 appearances for the club since signing six years ago but is out of contract at the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena.

Along with several team-mates, Keltie was offered a new deal at the end of last season and, after recent negotiations are thought to have gone well, he is close to signing.

Keltie's agent, Ian Elliott, said: "We are close to agreeing a one-year deal with Darlington. It looks as if he will be staying although there are a few small things we still need to sort out."

He was captain last season but that responsibility has been taken off him by manager Dave Penney who has instead handed the skipper's armband to new signing Steve Foster.

Of the players Penney offered deals to, including Kevin Burgess, Patrick Collins, Ricky Ravenhill, Neil Wainwright, only Keltie and Sam Russell have yet to resolve their futures.

With Keltie about to sign a new contract, that would leave only Russell with a question mark over him and speculation has linked the keeper with a move to Bradford City.

Since Russell was offered a contract, David Stockdale has agreed to stay at the club while Quakers have also signed Andy Oakes from Swansea City.